April benefit for stroke victim

MILFORD – A benefit for John Bissett Jr., of Milford, to help ease the burden of the costs associated with suffering a stroke and his road to recovery. The event will be held from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the American Legion, 15 Cottage St.

On Nov. 14, Bissett suffered a seizure because of a blood clot in his brain, which caused strokes and led to two emergency brain surgeries. This left Bissett in a coma and not expected to survive. Bissett has defied all odds and has begun his long road back to recovery.

Bissett is a member of the Nashua Fish and Game and the American Legion post in Wilton. He loves to hunt, fish, go shooting and be around his family and friends. John married the love of his life on Sept. 17, 2011.

With no previous medical history, he suffered a life-altering seizure and stroke a week before Thanksgiving. Through many scans and tests, it was discovered he had a blood clot in his brain and left leg, as well as a hole in his heart. Six days later, he was put on blood thinners and sent home, and celebrated Thanksgiving with his family.

On Nov. 30, Bissett returned to the hospital for a follow up where he began to lose motor functions. A CAT scan discovered that the blood clot in his brain was bleeding and he was rushed into emergency surgery. Bissett came out of surgery and appeared to be stable, but about two hours later the bleeding had increased. He was then rushed into a second surgery, with little hope of survival.

Bissett made it through surgery but was in a coma for a week. He has since come out of the coma and has begun physical, occupational and speech therapy.

The surgeries have caused right-side paralysis, blindness and loss of speech. Bissett is now able to move his right leg a little and say some words.

This has all incurred many bills. The cost of the benefit is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. There will be raffles, food, cash bar, a DJ and a chance to win a Dodge Dart. For tickets, email fundraiserforjohnbissetjr@gmail.com.

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